DAILY- HOMILY

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Friday, August 28, 2015

SATURDAY, 21ST Week in Ordinary Time

August 29, 2015 SATURDAY, 21ST Week in Ordinary Time

Martyrdom of St. John the Baptist

Memorial, Red

1 Thes 4:9 – 11 / Mk 6:17 - 29

Reading: 1 Thes 4:9 – 11

Regarding mutual love, you do not need anyone to write to you, because God himself taught you how to love one another. You already practice it with all the brothers and sisters of Macedonia, but I invite you to do more. Consider how important it is to live quietly without bothering others, to mind your own business, and work with your hands, as we have charged you.

Gospel: Mk 6:17 - 28

Herod had ordered John to be arrested and had him bound and put in prison because of Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip. Herod had married her and John had told him, "It is not right for you to live with your brother's wife."

So Herodias held a grudge against John and wanted to kill him, but she coud not because Herod respected John. He knew John to be an upright and holy man and kept him safe. And he liked listening to him, although he became very disturbed whenever he heard him.

Herodias had her chance at Herod's birthdsy, when he gave a dinner for all the senior government officials, military chiefs and leaders of Galilee.

On that occasion the daughter of Herodias came in and danced; and she delighted Herod and his guests. The king said to the girl, "Ask me for anything you want and I will give it to you. . . " "I will give you anyhting you ask, even half my kingdom."

She went out to consult her mother, "What shall I ask for?" The mother replied, "The head of John the Baptist." The girl hurried to the king and made her request, "I want you to give me the head of John the Baptist, here and now, on a dish."

The king was very displeased, but he would not refuse in front of his guests because of his oaths. So he sent one of the bodyguards with orders to bring John's head. He went and beheaded John in prison; then he broiught the head on a dish and gave it to the girl. And the girl gave it to her mother.

Reflection:

John the Baptist's role in salvation history was to immediately prepare for the coming of the Messiah. His birth was foretold by an angel, "This son of yours will be great in the eyes of God . . . Through him many of the people of Israel will turn to the Lord their God. He himself will open the way to the Lord with the spirit and power of Elijah." (Lk 1: 15 -17)

The Prologue of John's Gospel summarizes the role of John: "A man came, sent by God, his name was John. He came to bear witness, as a witness to introduce the Light so that all might believe through him. He was not the Light but a witness to introduce the Light." (Jn1:6– 8). John introduces Jesus, "There is the Lamb of God." (Jn 1: 36)

And Jesus himself acknowledges John's greatness, "I tell you this: no one greater than John the Baptist has come forward among the sons of women." (Jn 11: 11)

It is then but fitting that John crowned his witness to the Messiah and to the truth with his martyrdom.

WE PRAY FOR MTQ DAILY PRAYER DIARY INTENTIONS:

BIRTHDAY

CRISTE R. DADUA

FR. CANDIDO O. LIM, SJ

Finally, we pray for one another, for those who have asked our prayers and for those who need our prayers the most.

Have a good day!

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